My husband loves to tease me with a line I allegedly said nearly two decades ago: “Let’s have kids—it’ll be fun!” For the record, I have zero recollection of ever saying that. I’m guessing I was temporarily sleep-deprived, caffeine-deprived, or just plain delusional. 

Fast forward 18 years, and here we are—knee-deep in the world of teen emotions, middle school meltdowns, and things I truly never saw coming. Nobody tells you when you’re holding that fresh-smelling, burrito-wrapped baby that one day you’ll be Googling things like “how to help your kid with social anxiety” or “how to explain ADHD to a 10-year-old without crying.” Spoiler alert: You’re going to cry. Probably in the car. Probably while pretending you’re just enjoying your coffee quietly in the driveway.

What really hits you—somewhere around third grade—is that your child’s mental health isn’t just about school stress or screen time. It’s about the entire emotional ecosystem they live in… and yes, my fellow parents, we are the ecosystem.

Turns out, those little eyeballs and ears are always on. Always. They see how we react to spiders (sorry for the screaming), to stressful phone calls, to that 43rd request for a snack. They hear our muttering when we stub a toe, and yep, they know exactly how often we say “I’m fine” when we’re very obviously not fine.

And I’ll be honest—my kids inherited more than just my hair color and knack for sarcasm. They got a dash (okay, a dollop) of my anxiety. I wish I could go back and rewrite some of those early years—maybe pause before overreacting, maybe breathe more and yell less. Maybe actually listen to my husband once in a while when he suggests I “chill.” (We’re working on that.)

Now, as I enter the final stretch of parenting “children” before they legally become adults (cue nervous laughter), I’m trying harder than ever to show up differently. I’m managing my own anxiety with a little more grace and a lot more self-awareness—because if they’re going to learn how to handle big feelings, they’ve got to see it modeled.

Do we still have meltdowns? Absolutely. Do we have fewer of them than before? Praise be, yes. We’ve learned to break up homework into chunks. We take breaks when needed. And sometimes we just admit, “Hey, this is hard, and that’s okay.” It doesn’t always go smoothly, but there’s definitely less crying—and not just from me.

So, in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, here’s my little love letter to every young parent out there: your mental health matters too. Not just for your own sake, but because your kids are soaking up your energy like little emotional sponges. 

If I could go back and whisper in my younger self’s ear, I’d say, “They don’t just watch what you do, they feel what you feel. And also, “Maybe don’t scream about that spider—it’s just a spider.”

But mostly, I’d remind myself (and you): It’s never too late to model calm, to apologize, to try again, and to live the motto I now say to my kids all the time:

“Just go with the flow.”  (And maybe have a backup plan for when the flow turns into a flood.)

The post May 2025 Editor’s Note appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

On a gorgeous day, my husband and I strolled down the sidewalk. We took in our surroundings, noticing the historic buildings, a bucolic setting, and undergraduates studying on grassy lawns.
“This is beautiful, right?” I queried our teenage son, 17. He was walking alongside us during the college campus tour.
“Yes,” he replied, with a bit more enthusiasm than I expected.
That’s when I noticed he wasn’t looking around at the buildings or noticing the landscaping. Rather, he was looking at a cute coed coming our way
Aha! This was just the first example of things that parents and teens see differently on college visits. As I learned throughout the rest of our visit, there are lots of funny but true mismatches between what parents and their teens see. Let me share the ways.

ICONIC BUILDINGS
What parents see: This is it! The iconic building named after the illustrious founder where my child will spend the next four years pursuing his passion. Look at that architectural detail. I can just picture my son going to classes here, getting brighter by the minute! Oh, the learning that will go on here!
What teens see: A building.

THE DINING HALLS
What parents see: Gorgeous, deluxe dining halls reminiscent of upscale food courts at a designer mall. We aren’t in our college cafeterias from the 90s anymore, that’s for sure. All of these gourmet choices look pricey, but it’s a blessing that our teen will have so many choices and the opportunity to be so well-nourished.
What teens see: Cool! They have Panda Express and Starbucks.

THE MASCOT STATUE
What parents see: A work of art, probably endowed by some renowned alumni. It is prominently displayed in the center of campus and makes the perfect photo opp. Son, how about a picture during this visit so we can compare how much you change from this day until (gulp) the day you graduate?
What teens see: Something me and my buddies will climb on and stick our fingers up its nose. It’ll make a great photo opp after that first college party our parents must never know about.

THE GROUNDS
What parents see: Lovely, manicured spaces where students can relax and recharge while plugging into nature. Oh, look at all of the black-eyed Susans and purple coneflowers! And how old is that giant oak? The squirrels are so cute.
What teens see: Grass. Trees. Squirrels.

THE STUDENT PARKING LOT
What parents see: This parking lot doesn’t look close enough to the dorms. Is it well-lit when it’s dark? Is there a shuttle back to the dorms? Is it patrolled by public safety officers? Where are the emergency kiosks? How much does a parking permit cost anyway?
What teens see: Cool! Freshmen can have cars on-campus.

THE BOOKSTORE
What parents see: Do you want a shirt or sweatshirt? I can’t believe my baby is going to college! This is where you’ll come to buy all your books next year. I bet they’re still really expensive. That hasn’t changed since the 90s.
What teens see: A store. 

THE DORMS
What parents see: This doesn’t look like a dorm, it looks like a hotel. Wait, did the tour guide just say there were no more communal bathrooms? Everyone gets a suite with its own bathroom? And each floor has washers and dryers that text you when your laundry is done? Wow, just wow!
What teens see: Dorms.

“Hey, Mom and Dad,” I heard my son say, interrupting my mental list of all the things that parents and teens see differently on college tours. “I could see myself going here.”
“Me too,” I said, looking around and picturing him on campus. My husband nodded in agreement.
Yes, I could see him walking past the historic buildings, grabbing a bite to eat at the dining halls, and living in the dorms. There was one more thing I saw though. I saw my heart on this campus next year. And perhaps that’s the biggest difference of all between what parents and teens see on college visits. 

Click here for even more College Prep articles from Cincinnati Family Magazine.

The post The College Tour Experience appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

When it comes to having a family, thoughtful planning is oftentimes a main component of a successful adventure! Taking the family to a Cincinnati Reds game at Great American Ball Park is truly a “great” experience and a little planning goes a long way in making the adventure memorable and extra fun. Make your plans now and get ready to root, root, root for the home team! 

Before the Game 

Consider a Reds Heads Membership

If your kiddo is big into baseball, consider a Reds Heads membership. There are packages for ages 0-3 ($25) and 3-12 ($35) that include an abundance of exclusive goodies, coupons for around town and access to special events, too. Membership jerseys will have your pint-sized player looking sharp at games– in fact, the packages even include tickets to games! From a been-there-done-that Reds Heads mom… these bundles are SO worth it if your kids love the Reds.  Seriously… a Reds jersey alone can cost $25-35, so everything else included in the membership is just extra! And there is a lot included. Check it out for yourself! 

Snag a Deal

Family activities can break the bank but being thoughtful and taking time to look at promotions on the calendar can translate to savings at GABP. Families can save by purchasing up to three half-price tickets with the purchase of a full-price ticket in select areas of the ballpark in advance of game day. There are nine upcoming Family Day Discount games coming up in 2025. 

April 26, 6:40 p.m. vs. Cardinals
May 13, 6:40 p.m. vs. White Sox
June 17, 7:10 p.m. vs. Twins
June 29, 1:40 p.m. vs. Padres
July 7, 7:10 p.m. vs. Marlins
July 31, 7:10 p.m. vs. Braves
August 12, 6:40 p.m. vs. Phillies
September 2, 6:40 p.m. vs. Blue Jays
September 7, 1:40 p.m. vs. Mets

If your crew is the type to spend all their cash at concessions, choosing a 3-2-1 Tuesday game may be beneficial. While supplies last, grown-ups can snag $3 beers, grab $2 hot dogs and line up for $1 ice cream cups, too. 

Celebrate with GABP

If your little one is attending their first game ever at GABP, be sure to commemorate the occasion with a certificate! Families celebrating birthdays and couples spending their anniversaries at the ball field can get certificates, too! And Great American Ball Park has made the certificate redemption process easier than ever. Instead of waiting in line and filling out forms at the game, you can pre-order your certificate online, here! There are three pick-up locations, including: Terrace Fan Accommodations (behind section 119), View Level Accommodations (behind section 420), and the Fan Zone Accommodations.  

Game Day 

Click here to check out  a handy map, courtesy of the Reds, that makes parking on game day simple. Another option is to park at Newport on the Levee and walk the Taylor Southgate Bridge! This is a great way to take in a breathtaking view of the city, and maybe save a few bucks, too.

A few notes on what you can bring into the stadium. Small soft sided coolers are allowed, as are unopened plastic bottles of water and other non-alcoholic drinks and unopened food bags, too. Spray sunscreen is permitted (and recommended by this momma!). Strollers are permitted but must be folded up when not in use. Diaper bags for infants and backpacks with medical equipment are permitted but subject to search upon entry. Another Reds Heads perk? Reds Heads backpacks are permitted at the park, too. Final note! GABP is cashless! Credit cards only. 

Fans are welcome to get to GABP early (gates open 60 min prior to start time Mon-Thu, and 90 min early on June 18, 23-25 and games on Fri-Sat-Sun). If your family snags seats along the first or third base line, be sure to bring a baseball glove and try to catch a foul ball!

Now! For the fun stuff when it comes to taking families to GABP…

Of course try to see as much of the game from your seat… as much as your child will tolerate! But once the wiggles set in, Great American Ball Park has heaps of fun for kids to enjoy. Even if a game wasn’t going on at the park, the TriHealth Family Zone would be worth a visit to the stadium all on its own. The ballpark houses a large playground with slides, a bridge and a clubhouse.  Littles can take a swing at the toddler-sized batting cages. There is a nursing nook for mommas and a reading room for those who love a good book! The sensory room is a calming, quiet space for kiddos who need a break– and bonus, parents can keep up on plays by watching the televised game screens. Catching the breeze and enjoying a view of the Ohio River while sitting the swings in this area is literally perfection during hot summer games. How to get to the TriHealth Family Zone: make your way to the right field corner of the View Level. 

Be sure to stop by the First Star Fan Zone, located on the Terrace Level, along the west side of GABP. Families can check out yet another playground, presented by Recreations Outlet. This large playground has tunnels, a bridge and slides, too. Nearby is the Fan Zone Field, presented by Cincinnati Children’s; it is the perfect stop for kids who want to take a swing at a ball and round the bases!  Walk just about the distance from home to first base and you will find the Reds Mobile Clubhouse where Reds Heads members can trade their collectible pins (you can also purchase a membership here!). There are also carnival games like Gapper’s Hit the Mitt, Mr. Red’s Bottle Break-Up and more (for an additional purchase). During Sunday Family Fun Days, be sure to stop by the First Star Fan Zone to meet up with mascots and see what other fun they have planned for the day (ex. face painters/circus performers, etc.!).

Between an actual Reds game going on, walking around to get great food, checking out the First Star Fan Zone and the TriHealth Family Zone, there is seriously SO much to do during game day at Great American Ball Park with the family.

But wait, there’s more!

Families can keep the baseball fun going! Did you know that children ages 12 and younger receive FREE admission to the Reds Hall of Fame Museum? Plan a trip to explore this grand slam of a museum that showcases tons of Reds memorabilia that highlights Cincinnati’s place in baseball history. Click here to learn more about the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, presented by Dinsmore.

Cincinnati Family Magazine hopes your Cincinnati family has a grand slam’s worth of fun during your visit to Great American Ball Park for a Cincinnati Reds game!

Find Cincinnati Reds Home games on Cincinnati Family Magazine’s online calendar by CLICKING HERE.
If you have a GABP tip to share with other families, e-mail amandac@frg.inc

The post Taking Families to GABP  appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

A few little flags were being raised when it came to my third son’s development. As a been-there-done-that mom, I didn’t panic over every little thing anymore. I didn’t call the doctor when my child had a mild fever. Belly aches, colds and even hand foot mouth disease were all swiftly dealt with. Many booboos were effectively kissed.  For some reason, I thought being a relaxed and experienced Mom would give me some credit with the doctor when I said “I think we may need a speech referral and some type of assessment for my son’s development”. But it didn’t.

Sitting in the small, yet brightly painted pediatrician’s office, the doctor met my concerns with “Well, Einstein didn’t speak until he was 3 or 4. Have you considered getting him a dog?” I’m sorry, but… WHAT? I had just expressed that my child is losing their words. Regressing. Not saying Mama anymore. And the doctor is trying to get me to adopt a puppy?!

I’m not sure if my befuddled looking face convinced him, or my further nudge of “Well, just seeing if speech therapy could help couldn’t hurt, right?” made the difference… but we walked out of the office with a speech referral.

Now years later we have Autism, Apraxia and Global Delay diagnoses and hundreds of hours of speech and occupational therapy under our belts. I sit and wonder… what if we had just gotten that dog? 

Point being.. always follow your intuition and advocate for your children. IF you see little flags that make you raise your eyebrow or feel a little concerned, advocate for your child and ask for resources and additional support.

In our case, early intervention made a world of difference in the following ways:

• More communication, in new ways! My non-speaking  son learned simple signs that we still use years later. More, eat and all done are three signs that can ease frustration when a child wants something but they’re having a hard time communicating it. For speaking children, early intervention can boost brain development and help you child reach their full potential! More words means the ability to communicate feelings and needs, and having wants and needs met means less meltdowns.
• Family Support! Our family was connected with First Steps (we are in KY, the OH program is Help Me Grow) and through Speech and OT, we learned how to best meet our child where he was and to challenge him appropriately. Beyond the therapy sessions, these programs are designed to teach families how to keep the fun and learning going. Having an expert in the field teach you how to play with your child in a productive way is so helpful!
• School readiness. For our family, being a part of First Steps helped our child gain access to a special needs pre-school in our hometown and connected us to DDBP at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Having First Steps or Help Me Grow on your side can lead your family find the next chapter of your child’s journey. Early intervention can also get kids Kinder ready through helping kiddos learn the ABC’s, 123’s, colors and more.

Overall, when it comes to parenting… follow your gut. Instincts and intuition are seldom fully wrong. If you have a hunch that your child would benefit from a little extra help with their speech, behavior, movement, etc. say something! Be their advocate and their cheerleader!

Find even more Special Needs Resources by clicking here.

The post Following Mother’s Intuition appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Spring has sprung, which means we’re packing away the soccer cleats and basketball jerseys and rolling out the welcome mat for track and field, dance competitions, and—brand new to my household—flag football. For the first time ever, all three of my kids are doing completely different sports, in completely different locations, and my sanity is already hanging by a very thin, very frayed thread.  

You’ve heard me talk about my daughter—well, her busy season is in full swing and won’t end until July. One of my twins has taken up track and field and is *very* excited about the long jump (because what kid wouldn’t want to launch themselves into a sandpit?). And the other twin? He’s been begging to play football for years, but I’ve always shut it down because, well… I like his brain unconcussed. But then I discovered flag football and thought, “Sure, let’s give it a shot. What’s one more sport to add to my chauffeuring nightmare?”  

What I didn’t know is that NFL Flag Football is actually a thing—so much so that it’s going to be an Olympic sport in 2028! Who knew?! (Apparently, everyone but me.) And, like any new sport, I had to learn the rules. Which is how I found out that, in flag football, you can rush the quarterback—but only if you inform the referee beforehand. I mean, doesn’t that defeat the purpose of a rush? I was so confused that I had my little track star googling the rules mid-game. Spoiler: I still don’t understand them. But if history repeats itself, I’ll be a self-proclaimed expert by the end of the season.  

Oh, and now that my track-loving twin has read the rules and watched a game, he wants to play too. At this rate, I may have to start selling organs to afford all these extracurriculars. Does anyone need a slightly-used kidney?  

The post Learning a New Sport appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

With March here, spring is just around the corner, bringing longer days, warmer weather and the perfect opportunity to freshen up your home’s exterior. Whether you’re looking to sell your home or simply want to make it more inviting, small improvements can make a big impact. Here are some easy and budget-friendly ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal this spring.

1. Refresh Your Front Door

A freshly painted front door can instantly elevate the look of your home. Choose a color that complements your home’s exterior while adding a welcoming touch. Popular spring colors include cheerful yellows, deep blues and classic reds. Adding a stylish new doormat and a seasonal wreath can also add instant charm.

2. Upgrade Your Landscaping

Winter can leave your yard looking dull, but a little landscaping can bring it back to life. Start by cleaning up any debris, trimming overgrown bushes and adding fresh mulch to garden beds. Planting colorful flowers such as tulips, daffodils or pansies can provide a burst of springtime beauty.

3. Clean and Pressure Wash Surfaces

Over time, dirt and grime can build up on your home’s siding, driveway and walkways. A good pressure washing can remove years of buildup and instantly brighten your home’s exterior. If you don’t own a pressure washer, consider renting one or hiring a professional for a quick and effective cleaning.

4. Update House Numbers and Mailbox

Small details like house numbers and mailboxes can make a big difference in your home’s appearance. Replace old, faded numbers with modern, easy-to-read styles. If your mailbox is worn out, give it a fresh coat of paint or replace it with a new one for an updated look.

5. Add Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting not only enhances your home’s aesthetic but also improves safety. Consider adding solar-powered pathway lights, string lights on the porch or stylish sconces around the entryway. These small additions can create a warm and welcoming ambiance in the evening.

6. Decorate Your Porch

A well-decorated porch can make your home feel more inviting. Add a cozy seating area with outdoor cushions, a small table and some potted plants. Hanging flower baskets or a decorative welcome sign can also bring personality and charm to your space.

7. Repair or Paint Fences and Railings

If your fences, railings or shutters are looking worn, a fresh coat of paint or stain can do wonders. Choose a color that matches your home’s exterior for a cohesive look. Regular maintenance will help keep these elements in great shape for years to come.

8. Keep Your Lawn Green and Healthy

A lush, green lawn is a key component of curb appeal. Start by reseeding any bare patches, mowing regularly and applying fertilizer as needed. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening will help keep your grass healthy and vibrant throughout the season.

9. Install Window Boxes

Window boxes filled with bright, seasonal flowers can add instant charm to your home’s exterior. Choose flowers that thrive in your climate and complement your home’s color scheme. These easy-to-maintain additions bring life and color to your windows and create a welcoming atmosphere.

10. Fix or Replace Exterior Fixtures

Check for any broken or outdated fixtures such as door handles, light fixtures and shutters. Replacing these small details with modern alternatives can give your home a fresh, updated look without a major renovation.

By incorporating these simple yet effective curb appeal ideas, you can make your home look fresh, inviting and ready for spring. Whether you’re selling or staying, these small improvements can make a big difference in how your home is perceived. For more ideas on spring projects for your home reach out today!

The post Spring Home Projects appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Mother-daughter relationships have been complicated since the dawn of time, and mine is no exception.

Given our complex 18-year history, I assumed that when she embarked on her new life as a college freshman, she would flee from me like a gazelle narrowly escaping the jaws of a crocodile. I also accepted that our conversations—which have become increasingly disjointed in her teen years—would cease until Thanksgiving. But I was wrong. Without fail, at 8 p.m., she’d FaceTime me and not only babble on for over an hour but also ask me questions that she’d never asked before, like, “What did you do today, Mom?”

The first time she posed that question I was positive I had misheard her. I wondered, “Did she actually just ask me a question?” Typically, I was the one, as she so eloquently phrased it, “interrogating her” or barraging her with aggravating inquiries like, “How was your day
at school?”

I think the root of our issues originated where most problems begin: in the womb. During the last three months of my pregnancy, my daughter’s derriere prodded my right rib, causing continuous pain. While experiencing the jabs of discomfort, I dreamt of the day when I would finally meet my baby. But little did I know that dreaming or any type of sleep would be impossible for the next six months. After all, who can sleep to the soundtrack of incessant newborn crying?

The toddler years proved to be more harmonious. She preferred to stay within my orbit, waddling behind me like a baby duckling. Her infectious giggles could brighten even the most despondent demeanor. And dare I admit that her strong-willed nature was endearing?

The preschool years were even better. Mundane tasks like grocery shopping were transformed into a celebratory event with my daughter beside me in her blue Cinderella princess gown and bedazzled tiara. She’d greet the customers who passed by us with a royal wave while they complimented her attire. So when all these moments came to an unceremonious halt, I was dumbfounded.

In hindsight, my college degree in developmental psychology should have prepared me for the teenage years. Instead, I was exasperated. Overnight it seemed as if my communicative cub turned into a surly one-worded bear who only knew the word “no.” On rare occasions, a few other words would be peppered in, like “I don’t know.”

Besides the lack of communication, there was the continuously closed door to her room that signaled, “I no longer prefer to be anywhere near your orbit.” This distance, I’ll admit, led me to overcompensate by conducting inquisitions whenever she was within 10 feet of me. I’d seldom see the former princess from the grocery store, but occasionally, she’d emerge willingly to engage in conversation. Since these times were so infrequent, I had low expectations that she’d stay in touch once she went to a school over 200 miles away.

At first, I chalked her daily FaceTime calls up to homesickness. But after the initial separation period passed, and she continued to call, my assessment of her behavior shifted. Like a detective I noticed how she voluntarily divulged details about her day or appeared genuinely intrigued when I rattled off a list of tasks I completed. She willingly offered information, like the meal she had for dinner, the drama among dormmates, and the assignments she struggled with—all without any coercion. My astute deduction was: We were having an actual conversation!

The regularity of her calls transformed me into a Pavlovian dog. Each day, I’d eye the passing minutes with barely contained anticipation for our nightly conversations. In much the same way the Earth’s orbit around the Sun changes over time, so does the mother-daughter relationship.

After being away for three months, she returned home for Thanksgiving. Much to my dismay, our magical conversations disappeared into whatever vortex they had materialized from. The one-word sentences reemerged along with the closed doors. When my husband noticed my melancholy mood, he proposed a simple solution, albeit one that seemed absurd.

“Why don’t you FaceTime her?” he suggested.

Read another awesome article by Cheryl Maguire by clicking here.
Follow Cheryl on Instagram, here.

The post My Teenager Only Wants to Talk to Me When She’s 200 Miles Away appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Raising kids is like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions—you’re just hoping it turns out functional in the end. And if you think the diaper stage is hard, just wait until you hit the college prep years. Honestly, I’d take late-night diaper changes over late-night college application stress any day.

The real madness began freshman year of high school. Apparently, kids these days have to build a “college resume”—as if surviving puberty isn’t enough. Clubs, volunteer hours, leadership roles—who knew getting into college was like applying for a CEO position? When I applied, my biggest concern was remembering to mail the application on time. And let’s not even talk about choosing a major. I was still deciding between Taco Bell and McDonald’s for dinner, let alone my life’s career path.

But my daughter? She’s had it figured out since day one. Meanwhile, I’m over here trying to decipher FAFSA forms like I’m hacking into the Pentagon. Between dual enrollment, SATs, ACTs, financial aid, and endless campus visits, prepping for college is practically a full-time job.

That’s why we’re kicking off a new series to help parents navigate this glorious chaos. Sure, schools have college counselors, but guess what? Parents are often left out of those meetings, which means your teenager—who once thought eating glue was a good idea—is now making major life decisions solo. Starting the conversation before high school helps kids build their academic “street cred” early and avoid taking random electives that won’t help them land a job (looking at you, Underwater Basket Weaving).

Am I emotionally ready for my daughter to head off to college? Absolutely not. Will knowing she’ll be local for her first four years help soften the blow? Maybe a little. In the meantime, I still have my boys to prep for high school, so I’ll be in the trenches for a while. And when that first day of college comes? I’ll be the mom ugly crying in the parking lot—while secretly Googling “How to cope with an empty nest.”

Check out another fabulous Editor’s Note from Amy Foreman by clicking here.

The post Crib to College: A Parental Survival Guide appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Local mom, esthetician and entrepreneur Sylvia Brownlee is making moves and doing big things! Skin by Brownlee & Co. was founded in 2015 with the mission to enhance confidence through clear complexions. Brownlee’s products have been featured on Target’s website, in POPSUGAR, Allure, ELLE, GLAMOUR and now…in Cincinnati Family Magazine!

Skin by Brownlee & Co’s amazing products can be browsed by condition here, making treatment a breeze. Brownlee’s products are also available for purchase in-store. We had a chance to ask Sylvia some questions highlighting skincare for both, ahem…. aging.., parents and acne-prone teens.

Cincinnati Family Magazine (CFM): Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with Cincinnati Family Magazine about all things skincare! Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into the skincare industry?
Sylvia Brownlee (SB): I’ve been passionate about skincare for over 25 years. My journey started with my own personal struggles with acne, leading me to dive deep into understanding the science of skin. Through extensive training and experience, I became an esthetician and founded Skin by Brownlee & Co to help others achieve confidence through clear skin. My mission is to educate people, especially those dealing with acne and hyperpigmentation, on how to transform their skin without feeling like they have to hide behind makeup.

CFM:Raising tweens and teens is tricky. Especially when they are struggling with hormones, and self-confidence and may have a complexion that needs some TLC. As a skincare expert, where would you recommend a young person to start when it comes to beauty routines? Is a 15-step nightly routine really necessary like some influencers are promoting on social media? Or is it best to keep it simple? 
SB: The best approach is to keep it simple. For a young person just starting their skincare and beauty routine, a 15-step routine isn’t necessary. I recommend a gentle, yet effective 3-step routine, starting with a mild cleanser. Follow this with a lightweight and non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the skin balanced. Finally, a sunscreen for UV protection. Our Sensitive Skin Starter Kit ($104) is a great option!

CFM: And follow-up question: As a mom yourself, what advice would you give fellow parents to boost their kids’ confidence?
SB: Confidence starts with feeling good in your own skin, both literally and figuratively! Encourage your child to focus on self-care, rather than comparing themselves to unrealistic beauty standards on social media. Teach them that skincare is about health, not just external looks. Compliment them on qualities beyond their appearance, and remind them that acne is a normal part of growing up and something that can be managed with the right care!

CFM: What about parents who may be nearing the switch to aging products for their skin? What types of products and skincare services should they be looking into?
SB:  As we age, our skin needs extra support to maintain hydration, elasticity, and brightness. My top recommendations are Retinol, Brightening serums, and hydrating night creams. Skin by Brownlee & Co’s Radiant Renewal A ($77) is your go-to product to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and promote collagen production! Regular professional treatments like chemical peels and microneedling can also be very useful in maintaining a healthy glow.

CFM: We love that you are chasing your passion and doing what you love! What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who are looking to achieve big goals?
SB: Start before you feel ready! Too often we wait for the perfect time, but success comes from taking action and learning along the way. Surround yourself with mentors, stay consistent, and be willing to adapt. Most importantly, don’t be afraid of failure and view each setback that you face as a lesson that gets you closer to your goals.

CFM: As a local woman and mom doing AMAZING things, what local businesses would you like to give a
shout-out to? Word-of-mouth is so important with small businesses, and we would love to shine the light on you and also any other local establishments you would like to put a spotlight on
SB: I love supporting other small businesses in Cincinnati! A few of my favorites are Tasha Pinelo Photo, Ravishing Hair Studio, and Robins Nest Skin Spa.

CFM: Finally, we would love to know about your new Toning line of products and any other exciting events you have coming up!
SB: I’m so excited about the Toned Collection! This new line is designed to brighten, hydrate and even out skin tone with powerful ingredients that target hyperpigmentation and dullness. The collection includes: the Toned Brightening Eye cream for reducing puffiness and dark circles. The Brightening serum, which evens skin tone and enhances radiance. The Toned Brightening Night Cream to brighten, hydrate, and nourish while you sleep. And finally, the Mini Eye Cryoball, which is a cooling tool to soothe and depuff the under eye area.

CFM: If there is anything else you would like to share with Cincinnati Family Magazine, let us know
here!
SB: We have some BIG things this year! In June, we’re celebrating 10 years of Skin by Brownlee & Co with special promotions for Acne Awareness Month. Come visit us at Skin By Brownlee & Co at 4318 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45212!

Thank you so much to Sylvia Brownlee of  Skin by Brownlee & Co. for her time and thoughtful advice! We look forward to experiencing a facial at Skin by Brownlee & Co. soon— be sure to follow us on social for our coverage! CFM will also be giving one of our followers the chance to try Skin by Brownlee & Co’s new toning line themselves (Hello, WINSday!!!).

Follow Skin by Brownlee & Co. on Facebook here.
Visit the Skin by Brownlee & Co.’s website here.
Reach Skin by Brownlee & Co. on the phone at 513-351-7873
Email Skin by Brownlee & Co. at hello@skinbybronleeandco.com

The post Q+A with Sylvia Brownlee of Skin by Brownlee & Co appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Dear Teenage Daughter,

Your father and I would like to extend our sincerest apologies for the negative experience you have had sharing a bathroom with your older brother. In this household, it is our main goal to provide an exemplary lavatorial experience for family members and we realize that your experience has fallen short.

I understand that he hangs his towels haphazardly or leaves them lumped on the floor. I am truly sorry that his personal care items spill over his side of the vanity and that the pungent alpine scent of his body spray makes it feel like you reside in a Mariah Carey Christmas video every minute of every day.

I realize that he never draws the shower curtain closed to dry, which leads to increased mildew growth, and that he balks at cleaning the mildew that formed on it due to the fact that he never draws the shower curtain closed to dry.

I acknowledge that he neglects to empty the bathroom trash. I understand your frustration over how long he takes in the bathroom and I’m sorry he refuses to use the Poo Pourri spray because, ironically, he doesn’t like the way it smells.

Finally, I apologize that he’s just there, in the bathroom at the same time you want to be there. Or as you so eloquently put it, “Like, always.”

To address your inconvenience, we have ordered you a private bathroom, which should be available next year when your brother leaves for college. Once he has relocated, the towels in your bathroom will be hung neatly, the vanity will be spotless, and the only trash to take out will be your own, by you, as you are the only child left at home to do so.

As well, the washroom should start smelling like your preferred body spray, the one I believe should be titled “Tournament of Roses Parade” that features bergamot bottom notes.

Please note that next year we will not be responsible for any slippery spots in your private bathroom caused by your tears because your only brother has left for college and you miss him, even if you didn’t want to share a bathroom with him.

We hope you recognize the small benefits to be gleaned from your trying experience. Namely, you have increased your immunity to mess, mildew, and men in general. Your olfactory sense has heightened. You are also better prepared to share a bathroom in the coming years with slovenly college roommates and an ever-present spouse.

We thank you for your patience and truly regret that we were unable to procure a home with copious commodes or produce a sibling with the same cleanliness standards for your bathroom sharing convenience.

Thanks again for bringing your experience sharing a bathroom with your older brother to our attention, over and over and over. Should you need further assistance with this issue, feel free to speak directly with your father.

I hope that you consider us for your future bathroom needs.

Sincerely,
Mom
Customer Service Agent Intermediate

The post A Letter of Apology to My Teenage Daughter Who Has to Share a Bathroom With Her Older Brother appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.